6 Ways to Get Organized and Increase Productivity

Do you sometimes end your day thinking, “what did I accomplish today?”
Whether you’re a voice actor, copywriter, ad executive, or video producer feeling productive in a creative field can be difficult. On top of that, managing your time around the random demands of others can totally throw off your day.
In voice-over, a lot of clients who call today say they need the file yesterday. In this industry you need to be flexible to a point, but it is human nature to need some kind of routine.
There are some things that you can strive to do, no matter your profession, which will help you feel more organized and productive each day. Join VOX Daily to learn more.

Unplug from Social Media

Social media is important in terms of creating awareness about your business and building your connections but it can be a terrible time-drain. Worse, it can suck the life right out your creativity. Try reducing the number of times you check in. Three times a day should be plenty even for those aggressively using social media for marketing or social purposes. In general, avoid a slew of updates all at once. It will annoy your followers and reduce your effectiveness on social media.

Create a Routine

Establishing a routine will prevent you from meandering through your day. Try to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time each day. Start your work day at the same time each day and have a daily plan for what you’d like to accomplish. Knowing what to do, when, and approximately how much time to dedicate to each objective when starting your day will help you achieve your goals.

Become a Note Taker

Don’t let ideas get away on you! If you’re in the middle of a recording session and all the sudden you have an idea for your next blog post or you remember something you need to do later write it down immediately and continue what you were doing. That way you don’t lose your groove and you’re more likely to remember your idea later. Personally, I keep a note pad and pen nearby at all times. You just never know when an idea will strike! I use old-fashioned pen and paper because as soon as I reach for my tablet or smart phone I’m distracted by emails and social media updates.

Organize Your Work Space

Reducing the amount of junk in your work space can help you feel more relaxed, creative, and productive. Even if you classify yourself as a “messy person” and think you don’t mind the mess around you, try to reduce the clutter in your work space. You’ll be surprised by how efficient you can be when there is less mess and you know exactly where everything is right when you need it.

Close Unnecessary Windows and Applications

Do you really need to have your email, CNN, and Facebook open all day long in your browser? If you typically have a multitude of open windows on your browser and applications running in the background that you don’t need right at that moment and likely won’t need for some time, close them out.

Know When to Call it Quits

When burning the midnight oil a little too often, it will show in your work and it will show in your relationships with others. Knowing when to call it quits for the day is important. It can be hard, given the nature of our 24/7 world but everyone has other obligations in their life. As often as possible, try to end your work day around the same time. If you have a family, your spouse and children should be your #1 priority. Try to take time for yourself as well to clear your head and center your busy mind. Creativity and productiveness will return the next day.

David graduated with honours from the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology. David’s background in audio production continues to inform Voices.com’s innovation in the areas of mobile recording and digital media products that contribute to Canada’s economic and cultural future. As Chief Executive Officer, David is responsible for setting the vision, executing the growth strategy and managing the company on a day-to-day basis. He often writes about these experiences in the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur Magazine and Forbes.

I teach my clients that the most important step is to get a good night’s sleep. Without adequate sleep, no amount of coffee will keep your head clear enough to be at your peak productivity. The next step is to always have a game plan. Plan out your week in advance and always review the night before.